free backup utilities

[bobby-jo]

does anyone know of a good opensource or other free backup utilies
thanx

[TwoRails]

SyncBack has received some good reviews. I've played with it a little, and like it. It was free and the last time I looked, there where also coming out with a pay (Pro?) version.

You can find it here:

http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/syncback-hub.html

[Miz]

I use Replicator. It's a full-featured program that backs things up in their original format so you can retrieve only those files you want. I like that much better than the utilties that put everything in one huge file in a proprietary format.

It says it will write to a formatted CD-RW but I haven't tried that. I just set it up to back up the files and folders I select to a folder on the harddrive and then burn that folder to CD or DVD when its convenient (that is, when the computer's not going to be doing anything else).

[rightcoast]

SyncBack is good. I haven't used it in about a year I have a pay-for one now. But used for a while and liked it. It did get good reviews, I remember looking around and reading them a while back. That's why I went with it for a while.

[glc]

The backup utility that comes with Windows isn't too shabby.

[bobby-jo]

win ME doesn't have one tho does it? i couldn't find it if there is one.

do you know of a good 3rd party defrag and/or optimization tool either with a free trial or completely free
thanx

[glc]

You may have to add the backup utility to ME - control panel, add/remove programs, Windows setup, accessories.

The WinME builtin defrag is actually quite good.

[JCB]

Originally Posted by glc The backup utility that comes with Windows isn't too shabby.

Is that for tape only or could you use an HD to back up data?

[glc]

You should have the option to back up to a file.

[rightcoast]

If you save with a commercial backup like Nero or Acronis, you will need a fully function version to restore your data in my experience. I haven't used Acronis, but almost every other backup software requires the same software to restore. The trail version will likely have run out when you need the data you have saved.